The mission of Welcome Baby is to help provide awareness, prevention, and support for women's mental health needs related to childbirth and the stress of being a new mother.
Welcome Baby Program Overview
Welcome Baby provides critical educational materials to each patient at Aiken Regional Medical Center who has a baby. The information focuses on postpartum emotions and mental health concerns and provides a guide that includes relevant information for new parents. Childbirth can trigger many powerful emotions in both parents, ranging from excitement and delight to anxiety and depression. When signs of depression occur after birth, they can signal postpartum depression. Experts still have a lot to learn about the causes of this condition, but hormonal changes after childbirth are a probable factor in women. Symptoms of postpartum depression or PPD usually begin two to four weeks after the birth of the child and may last up to a year.
Our Impact
Mothers of newborns will be able to distinguish between stress and postpartum depression. They can access support and information on seeking treatment through the information provided by nursing and counseling staff in the hospital setting. Parents in need of support and education and/or in financial crisis will be provided a one-week supply of diapers and formula.
As of April 2019, we have provided car seats, cribs, diapers, and formula to families in financial need. Additionally, we provide clothing, diapers, and formula monthly when available. We attend health and safety fairs and educate the participants about these programs.
Shaken Baby Syndrome
Buckle Up Baby
Safe Sleep
Cribs for Kids
During 2020-2021 we saw a tremendous need for more support in this program. If it were not for United Way funding and the kindness of the people of Aiken County, we would not have been able to meet the demand for this program.
How You Can Help
Your donation can empower those with mental illness with lasting access to the help they need and deserve and the hope and opportunity it brings. There are so many ways you can help bring our mission to the lives that need it most.
Our Partners
Aiken County Emergency Medical Services
Aiken County Coroner’s Office
Kimberly Clarke
Safe Kids - TDC
Salvation Army
Carolina Quilters
Aiken Downtown Businesses
United Way
